Olympique de Marseille will acquire Elye Wahi, RC Lens striker and international Espoirs

In search of a goalscorer since the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Al-Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia), Olympique de Marseille has set its sights on Elye Wahi. Having arrived at RC Lens last summer for 30 million euros excluding bonuses, the French striker is preparing to pack his bags to return to the south, having been trained at Montpellier before revealing himself there (2018-2023).

Author of 12 goals in 36 matches with RC Lens last season, the international Espoirs (11 caps, 3 goals) notably made an impression during Lens’ 2-1 victory against Arsenal in the Champions League, with a goal and an assist that evening. In 112 Ligue 1 matches, he has a total of 41 goals and 12 assists, at the age of 21.

While RC Lens decreed an austerity cure at the end of last season, Elye Wahi represented a big market value for the Artois club. After several days of negotiations, Lens and OM have finally reached an agreement, franceinfo: sport can confirm. After having bet on experienced scorers in recent seasons (Alexis Sanchez, Aubameyang), OM is thus changing its strategy.

In Marseille, Elye Wahi – whose contract length is not yet known – arrives in the role of a number nine expected to be a starter. A heavy status to bear, after a season marked by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 30 goals. On the other hand, the track that led to Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) was abandoned by the Marseille club, who preferred the young Frenchman.